ROGER FEDERER UPDATE: SHANGHAI MASTERS CUP

So what’s Roger’s story – is he fired up for the Masters Cup or one running forehand away from slipping a disk? Is he zoned out on painkillers or fueled by the rage of being second best? Well, here are a few interesting quotes from his recent interviews- none of which help answer our questions or allay our fears – but they do fuel the fire.

On still being on painkillers for his back:

“I haven’t been pushing it to the very limits because I want to give my back the maximum time of recuperation. Then we will see on Monday what’s going to happen. But so far I’ve been serving without pain, I’ve been playing without pain and that’s definitely a very good sign.”

On being No. 2 (I LOVE this one!):

“It doesn’t change a whole lot, I just don’t like the ring of it when I’m being introduced on Centre Court saying, ‘and this is the number two in the world.’ It just sounds wrong. Either I’m number one or I’m a Grand Slam champion, but I’m not number two.”

On his chances this week:

“I’m here to win. I’m not here just to participate.”

So he’s not 100 % physically fit, he’s pissed at being No. 2 (though he won’t have the chance to prove himself against Rafa), and he claims that the killer instinct is still going strong. Fed fans won’t take much comfort from mixed messages like these from our guy – but at this point we should just wish him a happy and healthy off season, Master Cup champion or not.